Zelenskyy comments on NSDC sanctions against Poroshenko and allegations of fund withdrawals

At a National Security and Defense Council meeting, officials reported on the withdrawal of funds from Ukraine, and law enforcement agencies are investigating, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"The sanctions were not imposed on Petro Poroshenko. Do not personalize the issue of withdrawing funds from our state. There is a list of individuals involved," Zelenskyy said when asked about the appropriateness of the restrictions.

NSDC sanctions against Petro Poroshenko

On Feb. 12, Forbes Ukraine, citing sources, reported that Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council had imposed sanctions on MP and Euro-Solidarity leader Petro Poroshenko. Poroshenko later confirmed the sanctions, calling them a “demonstrative cleanup of the political field.”

On Feb. 13, the council’s website published official information on sanctions against Poroshenko, as well as billionaires Ihor Kolomoisky, Kostiantyn Zhevago, Gennady Bogolyubov, and pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested the sanctions against Poroshenko could be lifted if he “returns the withdrawn funds to the budget.”

The SBU said the sanctions were imposed due to “a threat to state security” and “creating obstacles to sustainable economic development.”

On Feb. 14, several Ukrainian human rights organizations condemned the sanctions against politicians and businessmen, calling them “extrajudicial political repression.”